Monarda didyma

A fragrant herb with bright red flowers and pale green, red-tinged leaves. Its attractive appearance has led to its popularity as a garden plant. It prefers a rich, moist soil and partial shade and needs to be kept well watered, especially in hot weather. Bergamot can grow to a height of 18-36 in. Its distinctive scarlet flowers bloom in late summer.

One of bergamot´s common names is bee balm because bees are attracted by its scent and nectar. The plant is native to North America, where it was first discovered by early settlers and was used by Oswego Indians to make tea, hence its other common name of Oswego tea.

Used: Its chopped leaves and flowers can be used to add color and an orangey flavor to green salads, jellies, fruit cups and fruit salads.

Medicinal: Bergamot can act as a mild sedative when added to hot milk.

Legends: At the time of the Boston Tea Party of 1773, settlers preferred to drink tea made from bergamot rather than that imported from Britain.